Ultraviolet (UV) lamp assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UV lamp assemblies are prone to malfunction due to improper installation, require precise orientation, and have components that are easily broken, leading to inconsistent operation and potential safety hazards from UV radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A UV lamp assembly with a mounting base featuring a ramp switch activator that allows for flexible installation orientations and a compact powerhead design, including a power assembly that enables multiple powerheads to be positioned closely, ensuring consistent activation and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional UV lamp assemblies use fixed mounting structures, then installation orientation is precise, but the assembly is prone to malfunction and components are easily broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed mounting structures with an adjustable mounting mechanism that allows the UV lamp assembly to be positioned at multiple orientations. The mounting bracket includes adjustment features enabling installation flexibility while maintaining secure positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between operational reliability and installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by allowing the mounting angle and position of the UV lamp assembly to be variable rather than fixed. This enables optimization of both installation convenience and operational reliability by adjusting parameters such as mounting orientation and securing mechanism engagement to achieve stable operation across different installation scenarios.
2Reliability
If UV lamp assemblies require precise orientation for installation, then operation is consistent, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the mounting bracket with alignment features and pre-positioned securing mechanisms. These preliminary preparations enable quick installation without requiring complex orientation adjustments during installation, thus reducing installation time while maintaining operational consistency through pre-engineered alignment guides.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates self-aligning features that automatically guide the UV lamp assembly into the correct orientation during installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for precise manual positioning, reducing installation time while ensuring consistent operational orientation through automatic alignment.
3Ease of operation
If UV lamp assemblies use simple mounting structures, then installation is easy, but components are easily broken and malfunction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective features into the mounting structure, such as shock-absorbing elements and stress-distributing design features. These preventive measures are built into the mounting bracket to protect components from breakage and malfunction during installation and operation, maintaining reliability without complicating the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure utilizes composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - such as flexible mounting elements paired with rigid securing components. This composite approach enhances component durability and resistance to breakage while maintaining ease of installation through the balanced design of flexible and rigid elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and efficient UV lamp operation with reduced risk of malfunction, allows for easier installation, and enables more effective air sanitization with fewer units, while minimizing exposure to harmful UV radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a UV bulb configured to emit rays of ultraviolet (UV) light
Implementation Method 2
a ramp switch activator that allows for flexible installation orientations and a compact powerhead design, including a power assembly that enables multiple powerheads to be positioned closely, ensuring consistent activation
Data Source
AI summary
An Ultraviolet (UV) lamp assembly for ducts used in an HVAC system can be mounted onto duct work to facilitate air sanitization. The UV lamp assembly includes a mounting base (attachable to a duct) and a UV lamp powerhead (e.g., with UV bulb) that is removably attachable to the mounting base by rotating the powerhead onto the mounting base. The mounting base can be pre-installed on a duct and capped for subsequent installation of the UV lamp assembly. The UV lamp powerhead can include a switch that powers the UV bulb, and the mounting base can include a switch activator, which is effective to activate the switch at various relative rotated positions of the powerhead. Thus, the switch can be activated (and the lamp powered) when the powerhead is installed at various positions, which can reduce the risk of inadvertent UV lamp activation where the powerhead is not fully rotated.